Reviving a Winning Partnership: Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy Reunite with Coach Tan Kim Her
In 2016, Malaysian coach Tan Kim Her made a bold decision that would shape the future of Indian badminton by pairing up Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. The trio formed a tight bond, with the players even referring to coach Tan as “Daddy.” However, Tan left the Indian coaching setup in 2019 before they could achieve their greatest successes of winning the Asian Games gold and securing a world championships medal under another coach.
After a disappointing performance at the 2024 Olympics, where they were expected to medal but fell short in the quarterfinals, Chirag and Satwik decided to reunite with coach Tan after almost five years. Their second competition together was at the 2025 India Open World Tour 750, where they reached the semifinals before facing defeat against the World number two pair of Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin.
Coach Tan’s Vision for the Future
While the result at the India Open fell short of expectations, coach Tan has a long-term roadmap laid out for Chirag and Satwik. In an interview with Sportstar, Tan revealed his aspirations to lead the duo to success at the 2028 Olympics, aiming to put a perfect ending to their partnership.
Reflecting on the Semifinal Loss
When asked about their defeat in the semifinals, coach Tan highlighted the importance of controlling the game and handling pressure effectively. He noted that their opponents’ strong serves caused confusion and ultimately led to their loss. Tan emphasized the need to improve their reception and maintain composure under pressure in future matches.
Reuniting with Coach Tan
Chirag was the driving force behind reconnecting with coach Tan after the Olympics, as the former coach of the duo had resigned. Tan’s return marked a new chapter in their partnership, with a focus on refining their skills and strategies for upcoming competitions.
Setting Goals for Success
Coach Tan expressed his desire to see Chirag and Satwik achieve consistency in their performances, aiming for regular appearances in the semifinals and finals of major tournaments. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of play and overcoming challenges to eventually secure victories in prestigious events like the All England, World Championships, and World Tour finals.
Building Strength and Defense
Coach Tan highlighted the need for the duo to enhance their defensive skills, citing examples of top pairs from countries like Korea, China, and Malaysia. He emphasized the importance of solid defense in competitive badminton and outlined a plan to strengthen Chirag and Satwik’s defensive capabilities for future success.
Looking Towards the Future
Despite the physical demands of the sport and the advancing age of the players, coach Tan remains optimistic about Chirag and Satwik’s prospects. He emphasized the significance of discipline, commitment, and enjoyment in prolonging their careers and achieving success at the highest level of international badminton.
As Chirag and Satwik embark on their journey towards the 2028 Olympics under the guidance of coach Tan Kim Her, the badminton world eagerly anticipates the resurgence of this dynamic partnership and the pursuit of glory on the global stage.
Optimizing Training and Strategies
Coach Tan’s return signifies a renewed focus on optimizing training methods and strategies to elevate Chirag and Satwik’s performance on the court. With his vast experience and expertise in the sport, Tan is expected to introduce new drills, tactics, and conditioning routines to enhance their skills and overall gameplay. By fine-tuning their techniques and developing a deeper understanding of their opponents’ playing styles, the duo can gain a competitive edge in future tournaments.
Embracing Team Dynamics
Beyond individual skills development, coach Tan recognizes the importance of fostering strong team dynamics between Chirag and Satwik. Building effective communication, trust, and synergy on the court is crucial to their success as a doubles team. By cultivating a harmonious partnership and synchronizing their movements and strategies, they can maximize their potential and deliver outstanding performances in high-stakes matches.
Strategic Analysis and Adaptation
Coach Tan’s coaching philosophy revolves around strategic analysis and quick adaptation during matches. He emphasizes the significance of studying opponents’ gameplay patterns, identifying weaknesses, and adjusting tactics accordingly. By instilling a proactive and analytical approach in Chirag and Satwik, they can make on-the-fly decisions, exploit openings in their opponents’ defense, and seize critical moments to secure victories in challenging encounters.
Mental Toughness and Resilience
In addition to physical training, coach Tan places a strong emphasis on building mental toughness and resilience in Chirag and Satwik. Competing at the elite level of badminton demands unwavering focus, mental fortitude, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Through psychological training, visualization techniques, and stress management strategies, they can cultivate a winning mindset and navigate pressure situations with confidence and composure.
Striving for Excellence
As they gear up for the upcoming tournaments and the long-term goal of the 2028 Olympics, Chirag and Satwik are committed to pushing their limits and striving for excellence under coach Tan’s guidance. By setting high standards, maintaining a relentless work ethic, and continuously seeking improvement, they aim to leave a lasting impact on the global badminton stage and inspire a new generation of players in India and beyond.
Community Support and Fan Engagement
With their partnership reinvigorated and coach Tan back in the fold, Chirag and Satwik are poised to garner increased support from the badminton community and fans. Their journey towards Olympic glory and pursuit of major titles will undoubtedly captivate audiences worldwide, creating a sense of unity and pride among enthusiasts of the sport. Through engaging with fans, sharing their training progress, and expressing gratitude for the unwavering support, they can build a strong rapport with their loyal followers and inspire a sense of camaraderie within the badminton community.
As Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy embark on this new chapter with coach Tan Kim Her, the badminton world awaits in anticipation for their resurgence and the remarkable achievements they are poised to accomplish. With a blend of skill, determination, and strategic guidance, this dynamic trio is set to make waves in the global badminton arena and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
